After word broke roughly eight days ago that the Chargers had authorized the Seahawks — and only the Seahawks — to negotiate with receiver Vincent Jackson’s agents regarding a possible trade for the holdout wideout, a report emerged that Jackson asked Seattle for a five-year, $50 million contract, with $30 million in guaranteed money.

Most recently, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune asserted that Jackson’s agents, Jonathan Feinsod and Neil Schwartz, had indeed made a demand with those specific contours.

So we gave Schwartz a chance to respond, since neither Acee nor anyone else apparently has bothered to call the agent and ask the question.

“There’s no truth to the report that we asked for $50 million over five years and $30 million guaranteed,” Schwartz told PFT by phone this morning. “We only talked concepts with the Seahawks, and I specifically mentioned players like [Cowboys receiver] Roy Williams, [Bills receiver] Lee Evans, [Falcons receiver] Roddy White, who we represent, [Dolphins receiver] Brandon Marshall, and [Cardinals receiver] Larry Fitzgerald. No numbers were mentioned.”

Those players are at the top of the current receiver market, but only one of them — Fitzgerald — makes $10 million per year. And Fitzgerald finagled his contract after his escalator-driven rookie deal backed the Cards into a salary-cap corner in early 2008.

To be sure, Jackson isn’t worth $10 million per year. In our view, he should be targeting a contract like the one signed by Marshall, which pushes the trigger for much of the guaranteed money to 2011, giving Jackson (who’ll be suspended three games for two DUI guilty pleas) a season to prove himself to his new team, both on and off the field.

So what’s going on here? As we see it, there are three possibilities: (1) Schwartz isn’t telling the truth; (2) the Seahawks misrepresented their communications with Schwartz and Feinsod; or (3) the Chargers are putting out bad information regarding Jackson’s demands.

It’s impossible to rule out the first possibility, since we never take anything at face value that coaches or players or agents say. But without Seahawks G.M. John Schneider or coach Pete Carroll on the record to claim that Schwartz demanded five years, $50 million, and $30 million guaranteed, it’s hard to conclude that Schwartz isn’t being honest.

As to the second possibility, the Seahawks arguably have (or at least had) an incentive to put some pressure on Jackson to reduce his demands in the hopes of building some momentum toward a trade. But if the Seahawks were to lie about the demands, that wouldn’t necessarily set the right mood for getting a new deal done with Jackson.

As to the third possibility, the Chargers’ motivation to paint Jackson as greedy would come from a desire to win the local P.R. battle regarding the basis for his ongoing absence from the team. And to set the stage for a continued squatting on his rights.

There’s one piece of circumstantial evidence that could push the objective observer of this situation toward concluding that the Chargers have, or haven’t, put out phony information. If, as Acee recently reported, the Vikings have balked at Jackson’s alleged asking price, the manner in which the Vikings acquired knowledge of it would reveal whether it came from the agents, the Seahawks, or the Chargers.

For his part, Schwartz denies talking to the Vikings about Jackson. “I have no permission to talk to the Vikings,” Schwartz said. “It didn’t come from me.”

The fact that Acee, who covers the Chargers for a living, has reported that the Vikings passed on Jackson after hearing the demand makes us inclined to conclude, via the application of Occam’s Razor (I am so smart . . . S-M-R-T), that Acee learned of the Vikings’ interest from the Chargers. This would mean that the Vikings at some point called the Chargers, and that the Vikings asked the Chargers what Jackson wants.

And if the Chargers are putting out inflated numbers as to Jackson’s demand, other teams likely will not seek permission from the Chargers to talk to Jackson. Thus, San Diego will be able to continue to squat on Jackson’s rights, with few local media or fans attacking the Chargers for being unreasonable, since after all Jackson supposedly wants $10 million per year.

By denying the reports that Jackson want’s $10 million per year and $30 million guaranteed, Schwartz’s message is fairly obvious. Any interested team should call the Chargers and request permission to find out what Jackson really wants.

Michael Lombardi had a great point: Jackson is a restricted free agent, and at one point, had a chance to talk to all 31 of the other teams and work out a deal, but couldn’t get it done.

BigFatDog says:Aug 28, 2010 12:18 PM

I see why the Chargers just want to hold on to his rights. For one, according to Acee they believe language in the current CBA ties Jackson to them again for next year because of his restricted free agent status. PFT has missed this fact. Jackson will undoubtedly have more trade value before next year’s draft. Also, Jackson has become such a spoiled brat, why should the Chargers do him any favors? His attitude is deploarble and AJ Smith has no desire to cave to the player and his agent.
One thing I’m glad Florio points out is how Acee never gets anything on the record. I hate reporting with out facts corroborated.

BigBear123 says:Aug 28, 2010 12:21 PM

5 years and 49 million.
He doesn’t want 10 mil a year, just a little under it.🙂

SporkdeviI says:Aug 28, 2010 12:22 PM

Ahh… this agent again. As an Atlanta fan, I hate this guys face off. He can’t negotiate his way out of a paper bag, so he just tells his players to hold out. We dealt with this with Roddy White’s rookie contract, AND his next contract.
Whether or not they made these demands, most of this agents few clients hold out at the detriment of the player and the team, regardless of how much time is left on a contract. It should become apparent that he is so bad at his job that most teams don’t like to negotiate with him.

SoFlor Steeler says:Aug 28, 2010 12:24 PM

Lessons must be taught – and Jackson and Reavis get to be lessons for the remaining players to learn from…
The NFL is a business, and there are ways to get things done – making absurd demands based on one good year – or the idiotic contract given by another team to a player [“I deserve to be the highest paid at my positon!”] is not the way business professionals get to an agreement.

Usually Florio is quick to point out nuances within the CBA. Why does our favorite Mountaineer imitation journalist ignore the RFA rule about sitting out a whole year, then being an RFA again the next season?
Lame.

dlmcc0909 says:Aug 28, 2010 12:56 PM

If the Vikings and Seahawks both balked at trading for Jackson, I guess its safe to say hes asking for the $50 million. Anyone paying this guy Fitzgerald money is insane

Peester15 says:Aug 28, 2010 12:58 PM

Vincent Jackdaniels is way overrated. The Chargers offense can make anyone a playmaker.

Winninugly says:Aug 28, 2010 1:00 PM

I believe jackson is worth 7million a year. Remember we are talking millions. Me personally, if i were a player wouldnt want a LTC .. i want a two – year deal. Jackson, although the DUI isnt helping should sign with chargers a 2 yr 15 million. and the new cba will be set and he can sign another contract with the 18 game season in mind. If not. Drew Rosenhous.

1NationRaiderNation says:Aug 28, 2010 1:04 PM

chargers won’t pay him, they would rather trade him

FinFan68 says:Aug 28, 2010 1:19 PM

He would be worth $7-8M If he did not make a hobby out of hitting the sauce and going for a drive. (he was caught twice…the odds that he got busted the ONLY two times he did that are not good) His looming suspension this year and likely yearlong suspension in the future drop his stock considerably. The only way to get $7-8M is by deferring the guaranteed money and stipulating he loses it if he gets another DUI. He wont sign anything liken that so he can sit and rot on his couch

GreyTheory says:Aug 28, 2010 1:19 PM

So let me get this straight..
AJ Smith, a guy Florio himself has labelled as someone who doesn’t care what others think of him, is putting out false info to win a P.R. battle?
..I’ll see your paradox and raise you a straight flush.

billsfan1 says:Aug 28, 2010 1:37 PM

if the agent denies it, then its true

90ragtop says:Aug 28, 2010 1:45 PM

I’ll give VJack $20 to toss the football with me in my back yard for half an hour. That’s more than he’s earning right noww…

edgy1957 says:Aug 28, 2010 2:05 PM

# Peester15 says:
Vincent Jackdaniels is way overrated. The Chargers offense can make anyone a playmaker.
*********************
Really? In the last 3 years, there have been 3 1,000 yard receivers, Jackson (2) and TE Gates (1) for SD. Jackson led the Chargers WRs in receptions and yards for 3 years in a row and that includes Floyd and Chambers. He’s the first 1,000 yard WR for the Chargers since 2001.

i hate florio says:Aug 28, 2010 2:56 PM

these are the same assholes who represent revis

Harm City Homer says:Aug 28, 2010 3:05 PM

(3) the Chargers are putting out bad information regarding Jackson’s demands.
It is hard to understand what the Chargers are trying to do. If they wanted to trade him for all they can get then let him talk to any team that is interested. Who cares what they are willing to pay him, what are they wiling to trade you since you are unwilling to pay him? If they had not reduced his tender then there would have been at least a chance he signed it and then could be traded by the team to the higest bidder anytime after, but as is there is no way he can sign it and risk injury for that amount.
He has enough years in the NFL under the old CBA to be a UFA. It is only the uncapped rules clause that made him restricted in the first place so I do not think he would still be restricted next year if there is a new CBA, and if there is not then it does not matter.
The guy is a top 10 WR. He has enough of a history to reduce his value since his next suspension would be a very long one and he is going to mis 3 games this year, but without restriction, he would get Fitzgerald monies, even without he should be able to find a team willing to give him a Brandon Marshall or Roddy White like deal. If he is allowed to.
As a RFA he did have a chance to talk to any team for a while, but no one was going to give up a 1st and 3rd for him when Boldin only cost a 3 and swapping a 4 for a 5, and Marshall went for a 2 and future 2. Holmes for a 5th was sick, Tedd Ginn for a 5 was more like a fair deal for both sides. Dallas was the only team dumb enough to give up a 1st and 3rd for a #1WR and that blew up on them a bit.

SoFlor Steeler says:Aug 28, 2010 3:09 PM

And I believe that he is one DUI away from sitting for a season – whomever signs him will be sure to include a clause that gets them a portion of the guaranteed money back should he go astray…

urteamsux says:Aug 28, 2010 3:10 PM

I hate P.Rivers but the guys a beast despite what edgy says i dont think they NEED jackson to get to the playoffs and get there butts kicked AGAIN.

MrHumble says:Aug 28, 2010 3:34 PM

VJax better find himself a better agent…..this a-hole he has is only looking out for his own pocketbook what with a lockout looming…….get the money now as it mite not be there is what his agent is tellin’ him.

boltdog says:Aug 28, 2010 3:36 PM

Two DUI’s are bad enough but on the morning of the Jets playoff game Jackson was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Phillip Rivers had to take the minivan and pick him up. He’s already being suspended for 3 games and with that track record and the distinct possibility of future suspensions what idiot (other then Matt Millen) would pay him $50 million?

MrHumble says:Aug 28, 2010 3:38 PM

SJax’s agent found it far too easy and convenient to deny that they want 5/50….wouldn’t it have been just as easy to comment on the range that you think your guy is worth? It tells me that while it mite not be 5/50, it could easily be 5/49….if the agent wants to set the record straight to gauge interest from other teams, he should have no problem listing the range of money they are thinking. With S. Rice goin’ down, the Vikings would be the perfect team lookin’ for someone like SJax and if they turned away in a heartbeat then you know they gotta be asking for a boatload of money. Besides, the Vikings owner Wilf has definitely showed a propensity for spending money so it must come down to value.

420fan says:Aug 28, 2010 3:41 PM

leave it to Sandy Eggo to Eff up their best receiver. Keep driving them into the ground AJ! The AFC west thanks you too

FinFan68 says:Aug 28, 2010 4:04 PM

It appears that common sense dictates that the agent is lying.

Steve W. says:Aug 28, 2010 4:30 PM

# SoFlor Steeler says: August 28, 2010 12:24 PM
Lessons must be taught – and Jackson and Reavis get to be lessons for the remaining players to learn from…
The NFL is a business, and there are ways to get things done – making absurd demands based on one good year – or the idiotic contract given by another team to a player [“I deserve to be the highest paid at my positon!”] is not the way business professionals get to an agreement.
__________________________________
Lessons must be taught? Really? So, what’s the lesson A.J. is trying to teach? From what I’ve seen, the lesson is if you keep your mouth shut during the final year of your contract, and play it out without causing trouble in the locker room, the Chargers will screw you over if they can find a loop hole that allows them to do so. So, you hear that everyone in the NFL? Learn that lesson. A.J. is the front office version of an internet bad ass. I wonder how proud of this lesson A.J. is going to be when free agents with options avoid San Diego like the plague, and they have to slap the franchise tag on their own players or overpay them to keep them when their contracts are up. I don’t really like or dislike the Chargers, so this isn’t some homeristic attack. I just don’t see why anyone (other than Rivers or Gates, who they threw tons of money at) would want to play for this team given the way they treat some of their players. The dumbest part is how public they’re being about it. I guarantee you that pretty much every player in the league knows what’s going on in San Diego, and they’ll remember it if the option of playing for the Chargers comes up. It’s a business for the players every bit as much as it is for the owners.

Steve W. says:Aug 28, 2010 4:39 PM

# Shamrock says: August 28, 2010 12:52 PM
Usually Florio is quick to point out nuances within the CBA. Why does our favorite Mountaineer imitation journalist ignore the RFA rule about sitting out a whole year, then being an RFA again the next season?
Lame.
___________________________________
Possibly because this isn’t the usual case. In any other year, if you’re a RFA it means that you don’t have enough years in the league to qualify to be an unrestricted free agent. In this case, however, both Jackson and McNeil have enough years accrued to qualify as UFAs. It’s only the temporary altered rules in this uncapped year that makes these players RFAs. So, the reason that Florio might not be saying they’ll still be RFAs next year might be that if there’s a new cba next year, then both players will have enough time in to be UFAs, even without adding another accrued year this season. The only way that wouldn’t be the case is if the new cba includes language that pushes free agency back for everyone another year. Seeing as how the league is looking to alter the share of the revenue the players get and the number of games in the season, I really don’t see how they would also get the players to agree to push back free agency as well.

BigFatDog says:Aug 28, 2010 6:07 PM

Steve W., Acee reports that language in current deal protects teams from this situation on the next CBA agreement. Jackson & McNeill will be Chargers property next year.

JimmyY says:Aug 28, 2010 6:42 PM

You finally cut through the BS of 14 paragraphs to just say what you should have said all along, contact the team, that’s it end of story. No need for the lengthy diatribe, no additional information other than what’s been out there for at least a week.

Rhapsody says:Aug 28, 2010 7:27 PM

Acee went to the same make-up-the-facts school Florio attended. Acee never corroberates anything. Plus, he creates a shitstorm of rumors and inuendo within the Chargers org and community. He has fanned the flames against LT both before and after LT left the Chargers. I think he is a tool for AJ and Spanos. He is so biased for the Chargers that I don’t think any other paper would ever hire him as a beat writer.

FinFan68 says:Aug 28, 2010 8:28 PM

His agents are garbage. They cant negotiate with a specific team, but if they want to help their client they could easily float a general comment saying what the basic starting points would be. That could generate other teams into contacting the chargers…they have not done that because even they know that what they are demanding is BS.

JetReaper says:Aug 28, 2010 8:46 PM

SporkdeviI says:
August 28, 2010 12:22 PM
Ahh… this agent again. As an Atlanta fan, I hate this guys face off. He can’t negotiate his way out of a paper bag, so he just tells his players to hold out. We dealt with this with Roddy White’s rookie contract, AND his next contract.
——————————
YUP.. And Revis held out as a Rookie and Now again with THREE ####’N years still on the deal he held out for…
Scwartz did it to the Jets with Pete Kendall as well….. Same ####.
I’ve been saying it but, I have a Real good feeling that NYJ, SDC and ATL all ignore Schwartz players next draft…. How could you possibly draft one of these guys and sign yourself up to deal with these panzies.

ChargersBlue says:Aug 29, 2010 1:31 AM

Don’t agents operate under the sanction of the NFLPA and NFL front office?
And thusly, can’t these teams (NYJ, SDC, and ATL) file some kind of grievance with the NFLPA or front office saying that this agent is a douchebag that makes it hard to do business?
Have we no recourse???
VJax is Retarded. Gates hooked up with an agent that AJ likes and he got Paid. If VJax had the same agent he might have been traded by now (if that’s what he wants). He should have signed his tender and just played. Could have made a ton more money that way or may have even been franchised next year for a pile of $$$. I should have known not to expect common sense from a player who kicks a flag which may have cost the team a SB. Don’t these stupid players know that when you hold out it hurts your image and (HELLO!) hurts your chances of endorsement deals.
The team made it known that VJax would not be in their long term plans. They also hold his rights. So you take what you can get and live with it. 3+million is a lot of money for 13 games, he should have taken the damn tender, geez…

Truth Injection says:Aug 30, 2010 1:20 PM

Your recourse is this: the team makes a declaration at next year’s combine that any player represented by Schwartz-Feinsod will be taken off the team’s draftboard, irrespective of where the player is expected to be selected. Make it known to the players that if they want to be considered by X team, they cannot hire Schwartz-Feinsod.
That’s your recourse.